"Meet Our Visitors" with Adrian Ziörjen, Managing Director Garten Center Säriswil
30 Jun 2020
Adrian Ziörjen, Managing Director Garten Center Säriswil
On 01.01.2010, the former branch of Aebi Kaderli AG was sold to the company Arbasta AG. This was the foundation stone of Garten Center Säriswil. The main focus is on the wholesale trade with pots and containers mainly from the Far East and Southern Europe and has now been extended to the retail trade. We spoke with Adrian Ziörjen, Managing Director Garten Center Säriswil.
The garden centres in Switzerland were allowed to reopen at the end of April. What does the current market situation in Switzerland look like?
Ziörjen: After reopening at the end of April, customers flocked to the garden centres and stocked up on plants, soil, fertiliser, seeds and everything a beautiful garden or home balcony needs. During this long lockdown period, customers had time to come up with and implement their ideas for the garden and furnishings. The number of customers is still very high even now. Since it is likely that most people will go on holiday in their own country or stay at home this summer, the signs point to good business during the season. On the whole, we are above the previous years despite the lost weeks.
What measures did you take during the crisis?
Ziörjen: In the first phase, we applied for reduced working hours and fortunately were still able to sell thanks to the delivery and collection service. The effort required was enormous and also meant that all employees had to be physically present in the second half.
Societal megatrends are also reflected in the garden scene: individualisation, globalisation, climate change, biodiversity, digitalisation and functionalism – which sustainable garden trends do you see in Switzerland?
Ziörjen: Biodiversity, organic products, self-sufficiency, insect-friendly plants and urban gardening – also the issue of the origin of the plants/products is becoming increasingly important. Especially in the area of plants, we try to include regional producers. High-quality goods have replaced mass-produced items.
We look forward to your visit at spoga+gafa in September. What will you and your colleagues be paying special attention to at the fair grounds with regard to the Swiss market?
Ziörjen: We are looking forward to the future and eager to see what trends await us at the trade fair. Also, trade fairs are always like a kind of continuing education as well as an opportunity to get away from everyday life and take a critical look at the day-to-day business activities. They provide the motivation to implement what we have seen in a fresh new way back home.
Dear Mr Ziörjen, thank you for your time. We look forward to being able to welcome you to spoga+gafa in Cologne from 6 to 8 September 2020.